Mukondeni Young Chiefs are still celebrating after their 1-0 victory over Vondwe XI Bullets in their ABC Motsepe League match at the Makhado Show Grounds last Saturday.
Head coach Joel Mongalo was ecstatic after the game. In an exclusive interview, he said the victory would go a long way in boosting the players’ morale and reviving the team’s hopes for promotion.
He added that he knew the game would not be easy, as Bullets were like a “wounded buffalo” after losing 1-0 to The Dolphins FC at Makonde Stadium two weeks ago. Mongalo praised his defenders for keeping Bullets’ goal poacher, Lucky Mutshotsho, from scoring.
When asked if he was still dreaming of winning the league title after dropping some vital points in previous matches, Mongalo said the race for the championship was still wide open. He added that being 10 points behind the pace-setters was not a worry, as the league campaign is a marathon.
On whether the current squad could reach the promotional playoffs, Mongalo said he was looking for an experienced striker to strengthen their attack. He added that last Saturday’s win would boost the players’ morale ahead of their next league fixture against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday.
Bullets head coach Lufuno Ndou said he was concerned about a run of bad luck, following the team’s second consecutive 1-0 defeat to The Dolphins FC.
Ndou’s co-coach, Ndamulelo Ratshivhadelo, was sent off for using abusive language towards the match officials. Young Chiefs’ match-winning goal came from Malepa Raletsekana six minutes before the final whistle.